You don’t know The 355s yet. That’ll probably change.
The four-piece are about to release their first E.P. Recorded at the iconic Rockfield Studios (where some of the best bands ever – and Q***n – recorded stuff) and further evidence they aren’t messing about comes from the fact this four tracker was produced by Britpop legend Nick Brine (Oasis, Stone Roses, Ash etc.)
“Jig A Jig Out” sees them coming from a kind of Black Keys-ish place, but what’s staggering about this, is how much ground it covers. There’s a haunting melody to “Esther” which is topped off by some brilliant brass, which sees it go down a road you didn’t see coming. A second line in New Orleans, maybe, not farm in Wales.
“Piss On My Party” is as different again, railing against Social Media will always get bonus points on this site, to do it with the energy of The Jam, well that’s another thing altogether.
The band loves soul apparently, and it is all over the tender ballad “You And I”, which further illustrates that The 355s have ambition because its crescendo is huge.
It’ll be interesting to see where they go when they release a full-length record, whether they home in on one style or another or instead go for this Pic N Mix approach.
Releasing this so late in the year is a statement in itself, and it’s one that says they are ready for a big 2024.
Rating 8/10
